FAQs on Wisdom Teeth Removal in Leeds
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
A wisdom tooth is one of the last teeth to come through, right at the back of your mouth. A wisdom tooth usually appears when you are between 17 and 25 years old. Although sometimes they appear many years later.
Nowadays people often have jaws that are too small for all 32 teeth. 28 teeth is often the most we have room for. So if all the other teeth are present and healthy there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly.
Do wisdom teeth always cause problems?
No. If there is enough room they will usually come through into a useful position and cause no more problems than any other tooth.
Often there will be some slight discomfort as the wisdom tooth comes through, but this is only temporary and will disappear once the tooth is fully in position.
What is an 'impacted' wisdom tooth?
If there is not enough room, the wisdom tooth may try to come through, but will get stuck against the tooth in front of it.
The wisdom tooth will be at an angle, and will be described by the dentist as impacted.
What problems can a wisdom tooth cause?
If part of the wisdom tooth has appeared through the gum and part of it is still covered, the gum may become sore and perhaps swollen. Food particles and bacteria can collect under the gum edge, and it will be difficult to clean the area effectively. This is known as pericoronitis.
This is a temporary problem that can be dealt with by using mouthwashes and special cleaning methods and possibly antibiotics.
If the problem keeps coming back, it may be better to have the tooth removed.
Are xrays needed for wisdom teeth?
The dentist will usually take x-rays to see the position of the root, and to assess whether there is room for the tooth to come through into a useful position.
Digital xrays are ideal and are used at Clarendon Dental Spa.
Are wisdom teeth difficult to remove?
Difficulty of wisdom tooth removal depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Our dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after your examination and after looking at the x-rays.
An upper wisdom tooth is often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted.
Either local anaesthetic (as you would have for a filling) or sedation will probably be recommended. A general anaesthetic (where you would be asleep), can also be used, but this will only be given in a hospital.
Will there be any alteration to my face or mouth?
Taking wisdom teeth out may cause some swelling for a few days.
But as soon as the area is healed, there will be no difference to your face or appearance. Your mouth will feel more comfortable and less crowded, especially if the teeth were impacted.
What should I expect after wisdom tooth removal?
The amount of discomfort will depend on how easy the wisdom tooth removal was. There is usually some swelling and discomfort for a few days afterwards, and it is important to follow any advice you get about mouthwashes etc, to help with the healing.
Usual pain-killers such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen will usually deal with any pain. It is best to stay fairly quiet and relaxed and avoid smoking and drinking for 24 hours afterwards to make sue there are no bleeding problems. There may be some stitches to help the gum heal over. Your dentist will probably want to see you again about a week later to check on the healing, and to remove any stitches.
